Is paint the same as varnish?

This is a question often asked by paint novices. The answer is, "Paint is not varnish!" On the contrary, paint is a kind of coating.

Paint is a kind of material. This material can be applied to the surface of objects by different construction techniques to form a solid film that adheres firmly, has certain strength and is continuous. The film formed in this way is generally called a coating film, also known as a paint film or coating. The paint we usually talk about is just one of the countless types of coatings.

Due to the low social productivity, most of the early paints were mainly made of vegetable oil, and thus were called paints. With the rapid development and progress of modern society's science and technology, new types of coatings represented by synthetic resins and polymer nanomaterials have largely replaced vegetable oils and become the latest and most widely used form of coatings.

What are the main functions of coatings?

The primary function of coatings is to provide protection first. Anti-corrosion, waterproof, oil-proof, chemical-resistant, light-resistant, heat-resistant, etc. Applying paint to the surface of objects to form a protective film can prevent or delay the occurrence and development of these destructive phenomena, thereby extending the service life of various materials. Therefore, protective function is one of the main functions of coatings.

Secondly, there is the decorative function. Color, luster, pattern and flatness, etc. When objects made of different materials are coated with paint, they can achieve a dazzling and colorful appearance, which not only beautifies the human living environment but also makes an indispensable contribution to both human material and spiritual life.

3. Other functions. Marking, anti-fouling, insulation, etc. For modern coatings, this function is increasingly showing its importance when compared with the previous two functions. Some modern coating varieties can offer a variety of different special functions, such as electrical insulation, conductivity, electromagnetic wave shielding, and anti-static generation, etc. Biochemical effects such as anti-mold, bactericidal, insecticidal and anti-adhesion of Marine organisms; The functions in terms of thermal energy such as high-temperature resistance, heat preservation, temperature indication, temperature marking, prevention of spread combustion, erosion and heat insulation; The functions in optical properties such as reflecting light, emitting light, absorbing and reflecting infrared rays, absorbing solar energy, shielding rays, and marking colors; The functions in terms of mechanical properties such as anti-slip, self-lubrication, and prevention of fragmentation and splashing; It also has various different functions such as noise prevention, vibration reduction, hygiene and disinfection, condensation prevention, and ice prevention.